With the Los Angeles Lakers sitting with just one win on the season, there have been a number of rumors surfacing about the status of Kobe Bryant going forward. The franchise star is currently signed to a contract that will expire at the end of next season, one that many believe could be his last. With frustrations growing, a number of NBA sources speculate a trade could be in the works, specifically to the New York Knicks. However, according to team sources and Bryant himself, he is going nowhere.
The Bryant trade rumors have been dominating the Internet alongside the Kim Kardashian photos. The Lakers are 1-7 and showing little signs of improvement on the year. As a result, NBA reporter Sam Smith reports that a trade of Bryant can simply not be ruled out come the mid-season deadline. The Lakers could target high draft picks to help rebuild for the future and Bryant would certainly demand those in a deal. However, the franchise star is urging everyone to calm down, stressing he is committed to Los Angeles.
"I hear the chatter of Kobe should ask out and he should go and play for a contender in this latter stage of his career," Bryant said, via Yahoo! Sports. "But that's not what I do. I'm extremely loyal to the Lakers. I believe in fighting through the tough times as well as enjoying the good times. It's my responsibility to get us to be the best that we can be. It's important that we approach that on a day-to-day basis."
Sorry New York Knicks fans, but that means Bryant will not be headed to the Big Apple to reunite with Derek Fisher and Phil Jackson. Does the move make sense? Sure. Bryant and Carmelo Anthony would form a powerful tandem and the shooting guard's knowledge of the triangle offense will certainly help him succeed. Bryant is naturally an upgrade over Iman Shumpert or JR Smith, but the Knicks would have to give up too much to acquire the veteran going forward.
According to Forbes Magazine, one NBA team president was quoted saying Bryant is not going anywhere. The Lakers need him for basketball and business purposes. Bryant is the face of the franchise having spent his entire career with the Lakers and winning five rings while with the team. Could he sing a different tune if the losing continues? Yes, but the Lakers understand his importance to the franchise and will not make any kind of deal.
